Op-ed: Bynum School offers valuable choice for special needs clients

Published 5:09 am, Monday, June 9, 2014

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Op-ed: Bynum School offers valuable choice for special needs clients

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Many schools and agencies in the Permian Basin offer programs designed for clients with special needs, and we most certainly acknowledge their dedicated service. As the population of the Permian Basin continues to grow, the population of children, adolescents and adults in need of special services also will grow. We believe it is important for parents to have viable options when considering programs appropriate to the needs of their children and to the needs of their families. Bynum School provides an important choice for students of all ages with special needs.

Bynum School stands as unique when compared to other schools working with this population of students. Bynum School is the only school, public or private, providing an uninterrupted continuum of year-round services to students, age 3 to adulthood. Bynum School stands ready to meet the unique educational needs, social and emotional challenges and long-term vocational objectives of children, adolescents and adults with a broad spectrum of special needs including students with autism, genetic disorders and who may be diagnosed with multiple handicapping conditions.

At Bynum School, we acknowledge the importance that faith plays in a program dedicated to serving children with special needs and designed to support their families. We recognize commitment to our students and families as lifelong, and we acknowledge that trusting relationships with families are critical to meeting the goals of students and the goals of Bynum School.

Bynum School has been in operation for 30 years, but our story is far from finished. Our board of directors recently adopted a new strategic plan, which renews our dedication to our students and to this community. The plan details ambitious goals for expanded programs, recruitment and retention of highly qualified staff and new facilities. Additionally, Bynum School was reaccredited this spring by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. This column is, consequently, a timely celebration of the history, the future and the community support enjoyed by Bynum School from our many partners, patrons and parents.

With a generous gift of property from Linn Energy, Bynum School intends to build a new facility and one day to expand services to meet the residential needs of our students. We believe families and children in the Permian Basin should not have to face the possibility of sending their children far from home to find appropriate school and/or residential settings. The loyalty of our many volunteers and supporters helps us remain hopeful that this dream can be a reality.

This year we have appreciated incredible support. The Bynum School tennis tournament and party, Smash, was a fabulous event, as was Best of the Basin, a juried cook-off and down-home Texas concert featuring Pat Green. These events were fun-filled, financially successful and very important. Because Bynum School does not accept federal or state funds, we can develop and or modify each student’s individual program plan without being encumbered by mandates. But that also means we must depend on tuition and fundraising to support our budget. We are very grateful for the generous sponsors, donors, planning committees and excited participants for whom support for Bynum School was a priority this year. We promise that next year’s events will be even better.

Faith-based, private, nonprofit, comprehensive, family-oriented, independent, accredited, professional and caring are just a few of the words that we use to describe the uninterrupted continuum of services provided by Bynum School. The work we do is important to our students and their families, and it is sometimes difficult. Daily, we draw positive energy from the accomplishments of our students and from the incredible support of friends across the Permian Basin.

We believe dedication to excellence, stewardship and service are the best ways to say thank you to the army of volunteers and patrons who stand with Bynum School. Thank you again for another successful year serving children, adolescents and adults with special needs, and please consider being part of our mission for the future, a mission that includes the goals of dignity and respect for each student we serve.